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May 7 We delivered 1370 petition signatures, to the Democratic National Committee offices in Washington D.C. calling for the end to Super Delegates in the Democratic Party.

Members of the Super Duper Club (Nyssa, Crystal, Rachel, Sophie, Kari, Mr. Wood) and Close UP participants (Rhea, Alex, Brittany, and Charity) made the special delivery.  Rachel read the same presentation on the steps of the DNC that Angelina did on the sidewalk out in front of the MDC. Nyssa read it again inside to attending members of the Party, Crystal delivered all 1370 signed petitions, and then we all sat down and talked.

Michelle laid out the postion of the party regarding super delegates.  We restated our concerns with how the practice conflicted with the basic ideals of democracy.  While constructive, the conversation got a little heated at times. And it wasn’t just Super Duper Club members who spoke up.   Close Up members too, found the presentation a bit frustrating.  Several people got involved.  The discussion continued for about 45 minutes.

At the end of the day, the DNC knew exactly where we stood.

I am sure that the petitions, the questions that we asked, and the comments that we made, will be remembered and discussed when “superdelegates” sit down to re-write what to do with themselves in the 2012 democratic presidential primary election. One thing’s for sure – you can’t have a party without people to be in it…and if these rules are still standing next time around, they’ll have some problems finding the people. Especially us.

To everybody who has signed our petition, for those who have worked to gather signatures, and most of all to the students who are members of The Super Duper Club, good work! You are certainly leaving an imprint on the future direction of your government!

Check here to find the total story on the Super Duper Club.

Thoughts of the day for May 7, 2008:

If there is one thing that can be taken from our meeting today at the DNC, it is that the mission is not over. Delivering these petitions was just a check point. Even though we have worked hard we can’t think our fight is finished. The way we were treated at the DNC makes it clear that we are creating waves in their “ideal” pool of democracy. I’m so proud of the Super Duper Club as a whole. The people at the DNC thought we were going to just go in their offices and back down if attacked. We did the opposite. We defended our message and opinions. We gave them the fight that I don’t think they were expecting. The Super Duper Club’s voice was heard!  (Nyssa Swanson)

I would firstly like to thank all of those who signed our peitition and got us to the Democratic House.   Without you we wouldn’t have been there.  We didn’t get to meet with Howard Dean, though we met with a woman named Michelle and two others who repeatedly said that they were proud of our group for what we were doing.  Still, they never really listened to our point of “one person; one vote”  They believe that super delegates will not determine the election in the end, but “hey” they got another thing coming.  I appreciate them for taking time out of their day to talk with us, even if they didn’t agree.  In the end thanks for all of the support of the Super Duper Club and keep up the good work.  (Rachel Bunker)

When I talked to the Democrats at the DNC I became so frustrated. Not only did they disrespect us and our opinions, but they acted like it didn’t matter what we said. One representative was texting on her cell phone while we were talking. I was and am angry that they thought we didn’t count. Then they passed out free stuff! I don’t get it. They said that super delegates were good for our country. But they are wrong! Nobody’s vote should count for so much more than anybody elses vote. That’s why I used to love our government…I thought everyone was equal, everything was fair. But then I learned about super delegates and frankly I was disappointed in our government, that they could let this happen. People don’t always think we matter.  But we can make a BIG difference. I’m so glad I went to the DNC. I have become passionate about the issue of super delegates. Most adults look at us and think we are too young. But we are very informed on the issue. I think they should be glad that we, being so young, are informed and passionate about government issues.  (Alex Engler)

 I am so proud of all of you! The speeches, the march down to Mark Brewers office in Lansing, Tuesday morning meetings with people still showing up, petitions and petitions and petitions…a very proud flag, a crazy and pannicy email TV spot with ZZM, Spring Break Baseball banner designs, a cool if not belated T-shirt with a very sharp patch, THE WHIPPY DIP! and a pleasant radio spot – but most of all, I admire the fact that you are AWAKE! That you are willing to give up what you value above all – your time – to hold your government accountable – and to shape your future and the future of this nation.

Nice job guys…I’m pleased to be a member of the Super Duper Club.

Check out the Detroit Free Press on Sunday May 4. A nice article about us. And have a great week!

They really look cool! I got samples.

But the Super Man S came out cockeyed – and they have to go back to printer.

They won’t be done until Friday Night. If you want the problem ones – we can get em for $5. If you want one let me know.

sorry……….

Thanks to everybody who showed up Saturday April 19 and let your voice be heard concerning the injustice of Super Delegates. It was a beautiful day to lend a hand to help save democracy in the United States of America.

Check here for a slideshow of our photos of the afternoon.

Mark Brewer at the Coffee Joint:
• An upcoming podcast on the meeting with Mark Brewer.

Mark Brewer is the chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party. He agreed to meet with us on Saturday at the Coffee Joint on Seminole. At 4:30 he sat down with Angelina, Myranda, Dani, Molly, and Ariel. The rest of headed up to the Whippi Dip.For 45 minutes Mr. Brewer defended the practice of super delegates. The girls had a list of questions for him, how’s and why’s and what’s and what if’s – concerning super delegates in Michigan and nationally in the Democratic party. Check out the podcast concerning that meeting if you’d like to get the real scoop on what occurred.

At the Whippi Dip:
From 5:00 to 7:00 we assembled on the sidewalk out in front of the Whippi Dip and exercised our right to freedom of speech. The sun was out and the signs bright. And Ariel’s flag was flapping in the breeze. Two miles down the road at the Oakridge Country Club – The Muskegon County Democratic Fundraiser – was being held. Local Democrats, Congressional representatives, and party people held a dinner to raise funds for the Party. In order to drive to the Country Club, you had to pass the Whippi Dip. We got lots and lots of honks .

KOTOS for Congress in 08:
• Check out Tyler and Autumn’s podcast on assembling at the Whippi Dip.

Kimon Kotos is running for U.S. Congress – 2nd Congressional District in the Fall election. Saturday, on his way to the Fundraiser, he was reading about business for post settlement funding and later he saw us, pulled over and joined us on the assembly line. He told us how much he supported our efforts and complimented us on our involvement in the process. He held a picket sign. He talked with us about politics and super delegates and told us that back in the 70’s, when he had a pony tail, that he too protested unjust causes. He invited us to an anti-war picket that he goes to weekly. And he signed our petition. He stayed for 45 minutes and encouraged us to hang in there and keep fighting. We’ll definitely be looking for him on the ballot in November.

A Greeting at the Country Club:
• An upcoming podcast on greeting people at the door.

While most of us were assembled at the Whippi Dip, Molly, Ariel, Tyler, and Angelina, greeted arriving Democrats at the entrance to the Fundraiser down the street at the Country Club. They handed out flyers and talked to folks about our cause and asked for people to sign our petition. They talked with present representatives (Congresswoman Mary Valentine) and past representatives (Julie Dennis). They talked again with Mark Brewer and discussed with everyone in attendance the significance of the issue of super delegates. It was good for Democrats to hear from young people – and why this issue is so significant.

… then we went and ate pizza.

Thanks to all those in the Super Duper Club who’ve been working hard these past two months to make their voices heard. As a famous American (who was flipping burgers at McDonalds on Saturday and unable to join us) once said, “This is America…and this is what Americans do.” Thanks to you all! You are helping to change this world.

And to those of you who joined us on Saturday – Dani, Dani’s little brother, Rebecca, Michael, Tyler, Amber, Autumn, Angelina, Ariel, Molly, Myranda, Jennifer, Crystal, Clare, and Clare’s friend  – it takes hard work and sacrifice to change the world…thanks for donating your Saturday to the cause.